I moved on through Price with hesitation. I wasn't sure what to expect the next twenty six miles. You see cycling to your destination can be real slow if you want. I got into price at 1800 and didn't leave till 2200. I washed my clothes, looked at everythinmg in the kmart, dollar store, and then went to the food store. Only leavimg after dark. After 40 miles I needed a major break. Now I need to get through the night. Some would surrender to the road. Not me. Just because I can't find a place to sleep doesn't mean I need to sleep. Sure sleeping would be great, but as long you use public space ( walk along a road) they can"t touch you. Now you can go more extreme and sit some place. Wait till some one comes by and makes you move. Even as a security officer trespass tickets were seldom issed if they wondered into the hotel. Keeping a clean campsite will ease the descion wether or not you should be removed or just pushed on. .
I made it through Helper which reminded me so much of PA life I was suspended while traversing it. The town brought old memories back into my life. Profound memories which send a chill down my bones. It brought back the love for the old buildings grandure. Just like the East coast ripe with decay. An apartment with as much character as a the main person in a novel. A town that you could gaze upon and see the history right before your eyes. See that vistor stepping off the train and taking the town in.
A flood of memories still race through me if I make it through tonight where I am I still might go back just to remonise. Even right down to the state run alcohol store yikes. I remember those days.
I am right now splitting a canyon on both sides something I wish the day light would show me.
I made it to a point of entry (a truck inspection point.) It has everything I could need exect a bathroom. Electricty, gabarge, grass, and light.
Now if I can only stay awake. I drank a cup of coffee. That and I bought a liter of coke.
Hopefully a trooper doesn't wisk me away. I only have Ten more miles but I have a huge climb and the 191 is bustling with truck traffic. I am sure any trooper would understand why I am resting here. Key word resting officer. I bet there isn't a whole lot of drunks on the road seeing I am in Utah.. Well as I said before sit somewhere till they make you move. Considering my options. Plus they haul me in they have to haul my stuff in that could take a whole pickup truck or van. Then have to go through it all. Dam I just washed my clothes.
Keep awake you can do it. Five more hours till light.
It is 0000 and I am just ready to put on some warmer clothes the nice thing about all the clothes I brought is I don't need a sleeping bag all the way down to the forties. Anything lower I am sure I would be fine. Even when I was getting snowed on I had no problems walikng around in my clothes.
They said traffic enforcement next 55 miles. Yet right when I get on the highway I almost got creamed by a Semi for no reason at all. Since there was no on comming traffic. As far as visibility I am much brighter in the night. However it is harder to see where I am going with the oncomming lights and debris littering the shoulder. Ashley forrest here I come!
Sent via BlackBerry from T-Mobile
Saturday, June 28, 2008
Now at lunch in Huntington. I totally mutilated Ferron Utah.
The ride seemed up hill. Just completed 20 miles. The sun is warming up to the lower, 90s. I ducked into the library before they closed and read my book on the sharks.
I then headed over the city park for lunch and a nap.
If I can make it another 44 miles I will be in the Ashley forest. Thing is if I wait till tomorrow then Price will be shut down for the sabbath.
So I must go into Price today. On top of that I need to here else things will shut down early.
Things are going to get interesting. The camping I see is the Ashley forest. There is a visitor center in Price which can find out further information.
The ride seemed up hill. Just completed 20 miles. The sun is warming up to the lower, 90s. I ducked into the library before they closed and read my book on the sharks.
I then headed over the city park for lunch and a nap.
If I can make it another 44 miles I will be in the Ashley forest. Thing is if I wait till tomorrow then Price will be shut down for the sabbath.
So I must go into Price today. On top of that I need to here else things will shut down early.
Things are going to get interesting. The camping I see is the Ashley forest. There is a visitor center in Price which can find out further information.
Sent via BlackBerry from T-Mobile
I woke up with the sun cresting my horizon. The lake sending waves of relaxation.
I rolled out of the tent to hear the breakfast bells comming from the mosquitoes.
I tried once and then twice. But like dive bombers they swarmed around me picking area I had missed.
I quickly threw all my gear on bob and split. Running now up hill on the ATV tracks as fast as I could I then started to pedal like the wind not letting up even on the down hill. Just pedal. Now on the bike I was venerable to attack and they knew it. With the tail wind I made up the 4 miles in 15 tops I was flying down the path in the road. They had put loose gravel on the paved road and cars craved a path for me.
I rolled out of the tent to hear the breakfast bells comming from the mosquitoes.
I tried once and then twice. But like dive bombers they swarmed around me picking area I had missed.
I quickly threw all my gear on bob and split. Running now up hill on the ATV tracks as fast as I could I then started to pedal like the wind not letting up even on the down hill. Just pedal. Now on the bike I was venerable to attack and they knew it. With the tail wind I made up the 4 miles in 15 tops I was flying down the path in the road. They had put loose gravel on the paved road and cars craved a path for me.
Now at the mayor's park in Fern I ate something wrote this and attended to my morning rituals.
Sent via BlackBerry from T-Mobile
I finished with my super and headed to Millsite campsite.
The trek was easy and the climb not to hard.
Upon reachin it I found they wanted 16 $. So I could sit in a used rv/truck lot. I of course left.
I traveled down the road a mile and found a dirt road leading into BLM land. The lack of no trespassing signs for the last 3 miles and a bazillion atv trails led me here. I moved down one of those trails to the lake. The winds even stronger now comming off the lake. I decided to hide behind a sand dune.
The sandy ground made for the softest sleeping areas in a long while. Although last night I slept in grass was a close second.
With the lapping sound drifting in my ear I nestled down to sleep.
Sent via BlackBerry from T-Mobile
The trek was easy and the climb not to hard.
Upon reachin it I found they wanted 16 $. So I could sit in a used rv/truck lot. I of course left.
I traveled down the road a mile and found a dirt road leading into BLM land. The lack of no trespassing signs for the last 3 miles and a bazillion atv trails led me here. I moved down one of those trails to the lake. The winds even stronger now comming off the lake. I decided to hide behind a sand dune.
The sandy ground made for the softest sleeping areas in a long while. Although last night I slept in grass was a close second.
With the lapping sound drifting in my ear I nestled down to sleep.
Sent via BlackBerry from T-Mobile
Friday, June 27, 2008
New day!
Feeling better still a little sore and little hope for a rest day. Now back down to the canyons.
I started out on my descent and made it down to 8000 feet before stripping my outer layer of. Sweater and pants. I have my 90s gear underneath to make changing a snap.
I had two moderate climbs for going down hill. The wind had been picking up and creating a cross wind. At one point I was doing the speed limit 30 mph. I made excellent time averaging 8 mph for 30 miles. I arrived at Interstate 70 and then caught the 10 north. It was a series of hills and one moderate climb. The wind buffeted me with a stiff cross wind. Considering the hills and wind I was hauling ass.
Cross winds require technical skill and some elbow grease, while head winds consist of brute cycling force. To make things worse I am on a coal road. The Tandem 18 wheelers make the wind even worse by first blocking it and then drafting with a re introduction of that wind.
If the trucker is aware of this they can slow down and help out. If however they slam on the gas. Yikes you get yanked to one side while the truck blocks the wind, and then yanked back to the other side with the wind. Of course the draft gives you a gusting wind depending on direction. Pretty much anything with a longer wheel base creates this.
I spent an hour and half fighting my way. Normally I would stop and look for a camp site by now. Yet there is nothing. Press on. My only hope is to get to Ferron then head out to Millsite state park. I most likely won't make it there due to the unforeseen hill I know is there. This might be my first stealth camping. With the heat I should be able to sleep bag it and forgo the tent. No shade here and no where to hide.
I made into Emery just at noon I stayed for a couple hours and took a nap.
Thing about having no place to sleep is your not in a hurry to get there. In fact you want to time it so you go to sleep late at night and wake up early.
Emery was the last settlement by the Mormons in the 1880s. The SR 10 was paved in 1940. To bad since then they neglected to put shoulders on a trucking route. (A shoulder was added after Emery but south bound was tight so 15 milesof no shoulder so far) If they can build a tunnel for the irrigation canal (went 1500 feet)in the 1880s for there crops you think they could provide a means to travel on bike. From the looks of the town very tiny and dying. They moved the town 3 miles south to accomadate more people ha! They still built it on a hill. They could use a few more people who would stop after 40 miles of nothing. Car travel has all but killed rural Utah. Now comes 5 dollar gas. I can only imagine what will happen to them in five years. I have seen North Dakota dying with the consolidation of farms. Sure to happen out here.
Our leader built our nation on cheap oil rather than hard work. Our quick economic gains will revert back to the olden days. Hardship and poverty.
Feeling better still a little sore and little hope for a rest day. Now back down to the canyons.
I started out on my descent and made it down to 8000 feet before stripping my outer layer of. Sweater and pants. I have my 90s gear underneath to make changing a snap.
I had two moderate climbs for going down hill. The wind had been picking up and creating a cross wind. At one point I was doing the speed limit 30 mph. I made excellent time averaging 8 mph for 30 miles. I arrived at Interstate 70 and then caught the 10 north. It was a series of hills and one moderate climb. The wind buffeted me with a stiff cross wind. Considering the hills and wind I was hauling ass.
Cross winds require technical skill and some elbow grease, while head winds consist of brute cycling force. To make things worse I am on a coal road. The Tandem 18 wheelers make the wind even worse by first blocking it and then drafting with a re introduction of that wind.
If the trucker is aware of this they can slow down and help out. If however they slam on the gas. Yikes you get yanked to one side while the truck blocks the wind, and then yanked back to the other side with the wind. Of course the draft gives you a gusting wind depending on direction. Pretty much anything with a longer wheel base creates this.
I spent an hour and half fighting my way. Normally I would stop and look for a camp site by now. Yet there is nothing. Press on. My only hope is to get to Ferron then head out to Millsite state park. I most likely won't make it there due to the unforeseen hill I know is there. This might be my first stealth camping. With the heat I should be able to sleep bag it and forgo the tent. No shade here and no where to hide.
I made into Emery just at noon I stayed for a couple hours and took a nap.
Thing about having no place to sleep is your not in a hurry to get there. In fact you want to time it so you go to sleep late at night and wake up early.
Emery was the last settlement by the Mormons in the 1880s. The SR 10 was paved in 1940. To bad since then they neglected to put shoulders on a trucking route. (A shoulder was added after Emery but south bound was tight so 15 milesof no shoulder so far) If they can build a tunnel for the irrigation canal (went 1500 feet)in the 1880s for there crops you think they could provide a means to travel on bike. From the looks of the town very tiny and dying. They moved the town 3 miles south to accomadate more people ha! They still built it on a hill. They could use a few more people who would stop after 40 miles of nothing. Car travel has all but killed rural Utah. Now comes 5 dollar gas. I can only imagine what will happen to them in five years. I have seen North Dakota dying with the consolidation of farms. Sure to happen out here.
Our leader built our nation on cheap oil rather than hard work. Our quick economic gains will revert back to the olden days. Hardship and poverty.
The rest area in Emery was functional with toilets, water, and shade. The latter two the most important.
I pressed on at 3 and the ride was smooth desert sailing eith a few more moderate climbs.
I made it into Fernon and stopped at the library where I found a couple of books to read for my trip. Iwent to food town for some liquds and now I am heading to Mill site shortly.
As I mentioned nice wide shoulder on my side and smooth.
Sent via BlackBerry from T-Mobile
Went for a walk I almost can get a frickin signal.
Found a box and started collecting trash amongst a hillside with knee high shrubs. Cows hand carved a path or paths. As evidence of their past. Filled that box up in no time. To bad I can't get money for these cans.
Might be getting sick. My throat is raw. Funny I just polished off a 1/2 gallon of OJ last night and I was fine.
Looking forward to the descent and moving forward to the interstate. Should be 100 percent tomorrow right! Should be interesting trying to find a camp site tomorrow. Not very many close options. You will see!
Found a box and started collecting trash amongst a hillside with knee high shrubs. Cows hand carved a path or paths. As evidence of their past. Filled that box up in no time. To bad I can't get money for these cans.
Might be getting sick. My throat is raw. Funny I just polished off a 1/2 gallon of OJ last night and I was fine.
Looking forward to the descent and moving forward to the interstate. Should be 100 percent tomorrow right! Should be interesting trying to find a camp site tomorrow. Not very many close options. You will see!
I met a man with so much hatred yet immersed with so much compassion.
I struck up a conversation with Roger, woa guns and ammo guy. Nice to be camping next to him. Typical wants to blow all the other people to hell. He wants to get a bumper sticker that states "Save the world kill a tree hugger." Tried to stay away from the freedom and not really get into why so much hatred. Yet he is religious LDS.
We of course related in an odd way. Both wanting to remove ourselfs from soceity. ( For different reasons)
I sat in his truck and talked for about twenty minutes he stated he was getting TV from montorose 250 mi. First time in a passenger seat in awhile felt weird and he had the heat on. His wife is struggling to live, but a true fighter. They are having problems with the church or temple. They are trying to get sealed. (Marriage) the LDS is looking at their past and not liking them. Even though they're invovled heavily with the LDS.
At any rate since he drove a truck for a living he gave me an entirely different route description than the guy from the visitor center. Called him a stupid son of a bitch. And then gave good reason.
He also was able to give me some good ideas on camping. Agreeing me with that it is going to be tough finding a camp site. The guy can't ride bikes anymore and I felt bad. He stated he saw 30 to 40 cyclist going to Hanksville. He also contradicted the visitor center and said there was water along that route and persisted I go the shorter route to Denver.
Good luck Roger and god bless Kathy.
He of coursed offered me water and I collected around a gallon and a half.
Sent via BlackBerry from T-Mobile
Thursday rest day,
I climed to 9000 feet and hung out and read my book. I maybe moved three miles.
Having the elevation is nice I still was sweating in the afternoon sun.
Could only imagine what it would be like down below me.
Book is pretty good so far.
Kinda like TV with out the batteries.
Found a nice pullout with restrooms and roger's camp. They traded. The home for a 5 wheeler. Ex truck driver.
Funny how life seperates humans. I lie/sit behind a sheet of plastic and netting, while another man sits in the corner office looking out a sheet of glass, and then Roger retired now rests behind aluminun.
We are all seperated from nature, by our will to be seperated within our own comfort.
Supertime.
Sent via BlackBerry from T-Mobile
Today was one of those half hazard days.
I got into Torrey and rested too long. I talked with friends at home. Then I went to Bricknell and sat on the internet for two hours updating my blog. Then I went to Loa and pigged out. Loa was the first grocery store I have seen since cedar city. A general store doesn't cut it.
I got into Torrey and rested too long. I talked with friends at home. Then I went to Bricknell and sat on the internet for two hours updating my blog. Then I went to Loa and pigged out. Loa was the first grocery store I have seen since cedar city. A general store doesn't cut it.
After my morning work out I found a lovely coffee shope Robber's roost to relax. This is where Butch cassidy had his hay day. Torrey was a city that the main street had a canal lining it. Shade trees and the small time feel. As I was leaving a fellow touring guy showed up with the same intentions.
I headed out with some head winds and a little up hill.
Then on to Bricknell where I found a lovely library that has free used books. They also had a satellite college of Utah and an airport. I was heavy on books so I passed. Haven't had to much time to read busy seeing the sights.
They also had internet access which I jumped on. In addition they had a nice water fountain. Elva helped with some other library information in another town like a concierge. (Thanks).
Everyone in UT has been very nice and engaging.
Leaving bricknell and going to Lyman was a nice shoulder. I hope Utah continues this. While rural roads only need patient drivers. Shoulders provide some safety and more encouragement mainly because the ride is less stressful.
I moved through Lyman and onto Loa, another nice town. It seemed that all of these towns provided a rural existence with the various business that combine as a whole community..
Now I was headed up to the Mountains for a day of rest. It is going to be a late one but I can rest and read my new book about sharks. I like the read so far. 44 days thought this would be so much fun. Never thought I would make it so far into Utah. The trip confirms what I already know. While still miss the big cities. It is easier to be homeless out on the road.
More enjoyable also.
Kids what are they doing at a park? Talk about anoyying they are running over the tops of picnic tables. At least they will tire soon.
I made it cold 40s and 80s in the day. I did my night time work out. I will do a reposition to a closer and better spot tommorw. No trees here.
.
Sent via BlackBerry from T-Mobile
Wednesday, June 25, 2008
I found the burr trail dinner and ate my burger.
I talked with fellow travlers.
A group of hikers I saw at Lower Calf Creek were there we talked and they then bought me my lunch.(Thanks gang) My last resturant was 12 days ago.
I talked with fellow travlers.
A group of hikers I saw at Lower Calf Creek were there we talked and they then bought me my lunch.(Thanks gang) My last resturant was 12 days ago.
Having finished and the rain let up I proceeded on. I had to climb to get to Boulder over the million dollar road as they said. I crossed a ridge line bathed in the soaring sunlight. What use to be a sea of beatuy was now a clossal geolical wonder with pink, white , and dark gray, rocks yeilding the wonders left behind.
With that behind me now 6500 feet up I was headed into the pines. I contiued and thouight I was out of the town yet I found the welcome to Boulder pop 250. What seemed to be way out of town. Next to a hydro plant a half mile away from the road. With more climbing I slowly trudged on , this was going to be my second accent in a day or 4000 feet total, the thunder cells were to heavy with miosture and were dumping their contents on the mountain ahead. I timed the second wave by waiting and headed up.
It was an abnormal climb. I went climbing for miles it seemed but would only gain 2500 feet. I went from overheating to freezing. I had one slush drop hit my glasses when the third wave hit. I was passing over kings pasture and as long as I keept cycling t- shirt and shorts were just fine. Much better than overheating. the number of cattle was unreal on the range. The aspens, green grasses, and pines took this dessert boy home to Minnesota. The shield valcano Mt Boulder was 50000 acres of pleatu though it seemed I was always going up. At one of the ridges I stopped only to see a cyclist headed the same way.
"Let's go your going to loose the race ." I shouted with encouragement. We briefly talked and then found out we were headed in the same direction. Matt had been comming from just outside Bryce. We continued to climb looking for some water and a campsite.
The cattle were thick and hogging the road. At one point the cows were running down the road three young calfs doing there best to run. It was amazing sight to see Matt chasing on the downhilll the cows like a cowboy would on their horse. We passed several places where cows would rule the road, unable to determine what was going on in their minds we yelled and hoped for the best. It was like a video game dodging cows as we rode. .
At oak crest we found some water and a place to sleep further down from the campsite. There was a bear spottimg so bear bags were in full force.
Upon early morning we departed for the down hill. We summited the MT at 9600 feet the night before amonst another herd of cows. Now we could see the Capital Reef in the distance. To the east. After we again entered the canyons with the oldest red rusted rocks now in front of us erodded with wind. The older rocks were below us due to the monocline. The view was just another day at the office. Glover was a town but you couldn't blink from what we saw.
It was nice to ride with some else for change. Gaining heat from the lower elevation we made it to outside Torrey. They had an outdoors shop, vistor center, and a subway along with a gas store.
We stopped in the vistor center to find Scott who rides his bike too work. He guided Matt through his next ride. He just was down there yesterday. Water source none, temps hot, and also guided him not to go some other places.
My route to north was given and looking much easier. Thanks Scott.
I bought some much needed repplent and went to get some vegtables from subway. Yes I had been neglecting my vegtables.
After some internet time and a short break we continued it was now around around noon. It was a 1600 foot drop and the formations were unreal. We saw Stephanie from Germany taking pictures on her solo tour. (Car) talked for a little bit and left.
We entered the park and got our free backcountry permit. We would head up the cohab trail whicj over looked the valley.
We also took in a ranger talk about the geology. It alowed us also to escape the now heated valley (90). Corey informed us that the reef came from the olden days when it was a barrier to them. This was also one of only a few monoclines visible in the world.
After the informative show we wanted to see the park. We went to the camp ground and asked to drop our load. With light bikes we headed out for the ten mile dead end.
The trip down had the headwind and the hill. Fine by us.
We gazed at all the grandure before us. It was hot yet we were conditioned and hydrated.
Upon reaching the capital gorge now a dirt road we descend for a bit in the cannyon and gawked at what was before us. The cannyon was tight and had been carved by water. High above were the tops to the walls.
Leaving the cannyon we found some shade with metal picnic tables and rested.
The ride back was fast we were doing the speed limit of 25. A car was sitting behind us with bikes on top. Another car pulled out in front of me only to slow down to let me pass. The car also passed them.
Reaching the campground in no time we gathered our cycled in food. And headed to a park. Mule deer docile to humans quietly ate and even crossed the road as though a human. After eating with the deer I went and put my feet in the Freemont river.
The place establised in 1880s had huge shade trees along with a orchards.
next up was a place to sleep. We arranged to leave our gear at the camp site. (Thanks Matt). We then walked across the street to the chob trail. A seris of switch backs lead to the enterance to the cannyon where we stayed. Now up in elevation we overlooked the valley.
With everything ready we watched the sunset and also the hungry bats setting out for the night.
The monocline made the cannyon flow backwards angled down away from the valley below us.
The last two days were the first time I ever was able to tour with someone. It was a rare treat.
I did some growing up and was able to look at things from a different perspective. When touring you always are learning things to help and resolve. Note peanuts and heed.
Another added bonus I could ride abreast and all the cars seem to pass with great care execpt for one or two.
We did move over using my mirror to ride single file as cars appoarched. I found it odd pulling ahead of Matt using my trailer. I had to give him an extra four feet for my trailer.
Matt, a long distance racer now super touring cyclist. Was headed out for a 6 month stage one tour. Sigh I wish I could ride that far and take on that advwnture of his. He had three months in on his first tour ever. Leaving from St. Louis and going south to La, TX NM etc.
Matt is a great travel compainion, and I am glad I was able to ride for a few days. Even though I could never keep up on his tour. He is now headed on a journey that will take him 90 miles with out a water source. Good luck
......
Today I get up hiked down to save 7 buck$ the sleeping was really hard to get comfortable. I eventually fell asleep around 0000 to get up at 600. Then went up the 1600 foot climb. Just like a morning workout.
With the cool temps I made it to Torrey.
Talked with Zane and she feed me with my route description for the next hundred miles. Water yes, cannyons (white) yes, temps still warmer.
I would have a nice long flat valley for a change.
She also directed me to a coffe house. It was a house with a cicurlar point roof.
Robbers roost.
I filled up my batteries, intwrnet time and rested for my afternoon work out.
I did finnally get to a groccery store in Torrey. I bought enough food for 4 days.
Matt had been a great shot in the arm to boost my spirits. I also can read his blog at crazyguyonabike.com search long haul truckin.
See how he is doing along his tour.
Sent via BlackBerry from T-Mobile
Monday, June 23, 2008
I went trough hell.
At least it was paved.
I am in Boulder. Head for some more climbing not that I wanted too another 2000 feet.
It started to rain briefly while I was eating time to ride now it is gone.
Time for the rest of the town.
T
My 30 miles was out of this world.
Sent via BlackBerry from T-Mobile
15 miles beat the hell out of me today on Sunday.
Not anything to hard, but after my long haul yesterday
I was sore. Saturday I missed my camp site and fell into we want your money hole.
I feel like I am in a war game or something planning back up LZs as I go. Pouring over maps and plotting strategic stratagies on my plight.
Packed in 4000 feet were a dozen roads of every variety. Roads that went through the river, roads with cattle guards, keep out roads posted the intent, marked forest roads, and a couple of makeshift atv trails telling from the size of the tire tracks. All stuffed in a canyon I was not going to scale. Of course the indians did to make a home so the scenic board told me so. Of course it was stealth to me. Wonder how that worked for them?
So still gliding along as the canyon trades light for day. I knew the time I needed lights as any human can achieve for the next billion if so desired.. A quick check dang will I get out of this long valley. Mad that the alternate LZ was now in place and Escalante city was fast approaching with its radius of land owners trying to stop the onset of free land. As if they crafted the land itself.
Another Utah town on a hill. I guess they use the level land to harvest fields of human gain.
I missed the grocery store by twenty minutes, and my search missed the gas station on the edge of town (out of town).
I was now resting as a testament to the miles I just logged in. I had a bathroom, tables, and power.
It had been long time where I could get a strong signal and a human voices to measure and calculate speech.
After planning the next phase. With what little I had with me badly in need of a re supply.
I had the double whammy. Sunday the town shuts down. So even if I waited it still would not open. I arrived in Escalante at 2130. After a 3 hour rest I was satisfied that I could take the task.
Jan at the Escalante Visitor center got me my permits which I never was able to use err find.
She described the route really well and helped with the secondary LZ.
The moon lit landscape gray and mysterious drove me home. Another long canyon.
At least I couldn't get lost. I mostly walked as it was up hill I started around one and finished up at 500 just as the sun was awaking.
Not anything to hard, but after my long haul yesterday
I was sore. Saturday I missed my camp site and fell into we want your money hole.
I feel like I am in a war game or something planning back up LZs as I go. Pouring over maps and plotting strategic stratagies on my plight.
Packed in 4000 feet were a dozen roads of every variety. Roads that went through the river, roads with cattle guards, keep out roads posted the intent, marked forest roads, and a couple of makeshift atv trails telling from the size of the tire tracks. All stuffed in a canyon I was not going to scale. Of course the indians did to make a home so the scenic board told me so. Of course it was stealth to me. Wonder how that worked for them?
So still gliding along as the canyon trades light for day. I knew the time I needed lights as any human can achieve for the next billion if so desired.. A quick check dang will I get out of this long valley. Mad that the alternate LZ was now in place and Escalante city was fast approaching with its radius of land owners trying to stop the onset of free land. As if they crafted the land itself.
Another Utah town on a hill. I guess they use the level land to harvest fields of human gain.
I missed the grocery store by twenty minutes, and my search missed the gas station on the edge of town (out of town).
I was now resting as a testament to the miles I just logged in. I had a bathroom, tables, and power.
It had been long time where I could get a strong signal and a human voices to measure and calculate speech.
After planning the next phase. With what little I had with me badly in need of a re supply.
I had the double whammy. Sunday the town shuts down. So even if I waited it still would not open. I arrived in Escalante at 2130. After a 3 hour rest I was satisfied that I could take the task.
Jan at the Escalante Visitor center got me my permits which I never was able to use err find.
She described the route really well and helped with the secondary LZ.
The moon lit landscape gray and mysterious drove me home. Another long canyon.
At least I couldn't get lost. I mostly walked as it was up hill I started around one and finished up at 500 just as the sun was awaking.
I found a shady place near the Ponderosa river and quickly fell into slumber. The whole way I was afraid to sit down for fear of falling asleep. I used my alarm when I did. I saw a few shooting stars while keeping myself from sitting into slumber. In the bathing light hues of the near full moon and a sun swing into position.
I was on drugs trying to set the tent up. No it was the lack of sleep. I could not concentrate like a child I got mad and over acted to things which took way too long.
I slept for 4 hours as the sun kindly reminded not to turn her back on her. The nats and flies abound my tent turned into a enclosed hot house. Engineering the flaps in a designed fashion. I tried to lure the wind to no avail. I asked and latter that day I did get my wind. I settled with the sleep I got and headed to the cool river. Numbing in fact. Exactly like night and day. I found a couple deep pools and plunged in. Taking about team minutes for the sun to burn through. Once departed I knew I had not planned for enough time on this trail at best 10 miles a day maybe 15 I was not going to test my theory.
I was off hells backbone to take a simpler and shorter route. By now most of the traffic is using the Interstate as this goes next to nowhere and then stops at some towns once used for the olden times.
Heading back down as I needed to clear the private ranches to get to the free land. The daylight made the Journey much easier. I was soon back in Escalante navigating the 300 east and 165 north corners. Now in the middle of the day little sleep I choose to use some man made shade. As if a winter storm was approaching. Not wanting to bear the full force I waited till 400. Found the out of town gas food and started climbing.
I got my tail wind and slogged on with out my insects.
A short 15 miles lead me to a gouging Escalante river within an expansive valley overlook. Yes I saw all the climbing at wished for more downhill than I already had.
With few cars life was easy.
I made it to the Escalante River and took a hike in it. The cool water rushed through my aching feet. Nearing Calf creek now my camp site one I would gladly pay 7 dollars not to have to climb my awaiting departure from the valley. Unlike most places these were secluded and full. I had to walked my bike through the calf to find that out. I settled for an overflow spot. I bought some milk now warm from the roasting heat. I placed the contents in the creek and waited for my treat.
I was motivated after sitting around waiting for my tires. I was pumped the 90 at 6000 didn't bother me to much on Saturday . Leaving at 1230 sure did. After a nice hill, I sat under a store sign to plan my next set of maneuvers. A perfect red picnic table with flaking paint greeted me. My bike is usually never more than a glance away.
Not that I need to head the warnings of former cities. Who's going to take that loaded rig.
I was in tropic and the Bank sign flashed the tempature and time 93 and 1445 as if I need that reminder. Something I admired in my town. We don't allow big annoying signs. Even if it was for their school.
I still had two more towns and I was not leaving the valley anytime soon.
The second town's only claim to fame was a motel and the Visitor center
Which looked brand new and expensive. I wondered why they installed a second drinking fountain as I poured the remains of my tepid water into the second fountain which then dumped the contents on to the cement as it drained. Like putting a car with out wheels or an engine.
This place reminded me of a lodge. I could curl up to the fire place, charge my phone and read my book.
They had a huge scale of the Blm land and the contours of the land. Unlike the north rim visitor center I couldn't caress my climbing.
Do not touch.
I still need my third town. Like the last grape on the vine far removed from the action. They boasted a post office in case you didn't get rid of your baggage before.
The ghost straddles the fence post eagerly awaiting to consume. As I found shade by an adolescent popular tree.
I finally made it to the BLM land they lady told me about. Biting flies and nats. I stepped into a world of attention. As if they never seen a human outside a steel cage. By now several hours in the hot sun (3) I needed shade, however there is none. The sun to high to cast shadowy fingers from the canyon walls. Shrubs to small to even pose a fetal position. I needed to climb and I did. I spotted mu first of 3 6 foot pines ponderosa I believe small enough never any thing that would provoke fear by looking into the heavens.
I smeared on my repellent as though it was a paste rather than lotion. It didn't work. I tried hopelessly to apply more. They evolved stumping my best efforts with hordes of flying objects.
Now I couldn't even rest. I would manage to capture my breath with my still overheated body and racing pulse. Like a coach pushing me on. I going to explode.
I was trying to climb at 6 mph with the migrant hordes. Of course resting with them.
The canyon grew narrow and steep on the incline at one point I retired to walking the last 1000 foot hill the hordes seem to come and go. Now yelling into nature as I was molested and groped by biting flies and nats.
The lady saying wait till sundown. Great only another hour or two. I managed to summit and take in Powells peak very quickly.
Now I had the upper hand on the descent. Smiling as the bugs met my eyeglasses with a collective ending sound. I smiled justice.
Right to the cause sunset and the bugs departure. Only to arrive in the next heat wave.
Sent via BlackBerry from T-Mobile
Sunday, June 22, 2008
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)